Method for cladding and product resulting therefrom



July i9, 1955 R. l.. BROWN 2,?3J96 METHOD Foa CLADDTNG AND PRODUCT RESULTING THEREFROM Filed Teb. 11, 1955 s sheets-sheet 1 figg-1,

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g- ZI@ g. l 26 55 f Jfvaw Y FoafjfUz//fg uy 39, w55 R. L. BROWN ZEJQ@ METHOD FOR CLADDING AND PRODUCT RESULTING THEREFROM Filed Feb. ll, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 @UF/5752".- jfye T715 graz/JZ @Mf/W/M R. L. ERQWN METHOD FOR CLADDING AND PRODUCT RESULTING THEREFROM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 'Filed Feb. ll, 1955 O jm' United States Patent O METHOD FOR CLDDING AND PRODUCT RESULTING THEREFROM Robert L. Brown, Birmingham, Ala., assigner to Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, a corporation of Illinois Application February 11, 19ss,serin1N0.4s7,676

9 claims. (ci. 29-196) one or both sides of which there is permanently joihed a veneer or cladding of a corrosion resistant or heat resistant metal. The thickness of the cladding metal, as contrasted with plating, constitutes a substantial portion (generally not less than 5%) of the total sheet or platethickness. There is` of course, no upper limit on the thickness of the cladding metal except economy. Usually the cladding metal will have a thickness of from 20 gauge to l". Steels have been clad with stainless steel, Monel metal, silver, copper, nickel, ctc.

Clad steels are customarily used in the construction of vessels for containing or processing corrosive fluids, particularly at high temperatures, as it would be uneconomical to construct a large vessel capable of withstanding working stresses completely of corrosion or heat resisting metal. Clad steels in which the cladding material furnishes the desired resistant properties and in which the backinglplate furnishes the desired strength have provided the most feasible and economical material for such types of construction. Where the bond between the sheets is of suflicient integrity, the total sheet thickness' may be used in determining the required thickness for strength.

A number of methods have been employed for effecting the bond between the cladding metal and the metal to be clad, the most common of which being the so-called pressure welding or hot rollingV method in which two sheets to be clad are pressed together with two sheets of the cladding material in between to form a sandwichconsisting of a layer of common steel, two layers ofV cladding material topped by another layer of common steel. Flux can be used between the mating surfaces of Y 2,713,196 Patented July is, 1955 -of the sheets, and considerable bi-metallic scrap having little value results (sometimes as much asm-40%) when a rectangular plate is cut from the irregular as rolled assembly.

' Clad sheets have also bccn made by spot 0r seam resistance welding the cladding sheet to the base metal, tho welding taking place at spots throughout the arca of the .sh-:ets or throughout more or less of thc entire mating surfaces. Clad sheets have been made simply by pouring the metal to bccladin molten form over the cladding metal or, on theother hand, melting the cladding metal on the surface of the metal to bcfclad.

In-sorne of the prior methods, a Vey thin layer of a third metal was formed on one of the plates by electroplating cr otherwise to be pressure welded t0 the other plate, 4but such third metals .were infusible, as respectsv the metals of the sheets.

The clad sheets produced by these prior methods were generally uneven in thicsness and did not possess a plane or uniform surface and the bond was not continuous, so that failure at one point permitted corrosion over a large area of the base-plate.

According to the process of this invention l am able to produce a superiorl clad product by a method which is considerably more simple and less expensive than methods of the prior art. in my process lplace asheet or plate of cladding metal and a sheet or plate of metal to be clad in substantially face-to-facel arrangement with a thin layer of brazing metal betweenA them. I then apply va vacuum of at least' 18 inches of mercury gauge, and

preferably a substantially complete vacuum such as above 28-29 inches in the arca to be clad, i. e., between the cladding plate and the base plate to be clad. The assembled sandwich is then heated to a brazing temperature sutiicient to melt the brazing material and have it wet the mating surfacesyfmA substantial vacuum of at least linchcs of mercury gauge is maintained in the area to be clad at least until the brazingmatcrial has melted and wet the mating surfaces. In this way a perfect bond is formed between the cladding plate and the base plate. After brazing is effected the sandwich is cooled below the melting range of the brazing material to complete the Y cladding process.

the cladding metal-and the metal to be clad and an infusibleA cut free and the common steel sheets separated, eachv of whichvwill then bear a veneer of the cladding metal. This method is not only cumbersome and expensive but also results in a considerable amount Vof waste as the cladding metals are often damaged by the great pressures required in the rolling operation to reduce the thickness' The use of a vacuum of at least 18 inches of mercury gauge is highly important for producing an integrally and continuously clad product. The vacuum serves two purposes, both of which are significant. First, it removes gases, 'including gases evolved during heating, that otherwise would prevent successful bonding. causes external pressure to be applied to force or collapse the brazing surfaces together into intimate and uniform contact. This external pressure should at least substantially be that exerted by the atmosphere when the vacuum is i8 inches of mercury gauge. When the vacuum in the arca to be clad goes above 18 inches the external pressure,

ifdesired, may be reduced an amount equivalent to the increase in vacuum. Thus, if the vacuum is 28 inches between the plates to be clad, the external pressure may be reduced l() inches of mercury gauge below atmospheric pressure. The overail external pressure on the brazing area will accordingly only be 18 inches, the minimum pressure suitable for a good bond. nal pressure on the sandwich may be so reduced, it is ordinarily more convenient and desirable to have substantially atmospheric pressure forcing the plates ,into contact for brazing. Super-atmospheric pressures may also be applied against the external surfaces of the sandwich if desired.

By evacuating the space between the plates, l not only create pressure against the brazing material, but quite effectively prevent the formation of gas bubbles which may otherwise form in the brazing material as it melts. For

Secondly, it y Although the exterthis reason it is advisable to maintain the vacuum during gases due to the purging action of the vacuum. particularly the higher vacuums.

My process is especially useful for producing large size clad products which were previouslyunavailable but for which a great need existed. By large size products I mean at least about 21/2v feet square. For commercial use, however, much larger clads are produced such as about 8 x l0 feet and larger. Such clad products may be welded together to make still largcr units or they may be cut into smaller pieces `for specic uses, or the;l may be formed by hot or cold working into various shapes.

The preferred brazing material is anon-ferrous metal or alloy having a melting point below that of the metals tobe joined. The principal requirements of the brazing material, however, are that it have a melting point below that of the metals to be joined, that it be capable, when melted, of wetting the mating surfaces of the metals, and

that it have sufficient tensile strength and resistance ,to

shear to produce a union of sufficient soundness, strength and permanence to meet operating or design specifications.

vThe brazing metal may be copper, bronze, or alloys of copper and silicon, copper and phosphorus, silver bearing alloys, or any other suitable metal or alloy. The choice of the brazing material is well within the abilities of those skilled in the art and will depend upon the particular metals being joined. For example, whe-n mildsteel, that is low carbon steel having a carbon content in the neighborhood of .25% is being clad with stainless steel, a bronze or copper brazing material may be used. Whensuch steels are being clad with aluminum. a brazing alloysuch as an aluminum-silicon alloy may be used. Stainless steel may be clad with copper by my invention, or if desired, metals may be clad with like metals, viz. mild steel on mild steel, it being necessary only to follow the practices as hereinafter set forth and to use the proper brazing material. v

While it is clear from this description that my process mayv be employed for cladding a great variety of base metals with dissimilar'metals. it is contemplated that its most common usc will be in the field of cladding steels f such as structural and boiler or rebox grades of steel which are usually mild, low carbonstecls. for example, those designatedv by the American vSocictyfforfTesting Metals as A283 Grade or D, or A285 GradepC, A 20l and A 212, with'heatorcorrosion resistant-metal such as chromium or. chromium-nickel stainlesssteelsQnickel, Monel metal, Hastelloys', lnconel, silver.'copper,tantalum,

thickness `of the base or steel sheet will generally be in the orderlof about k3 or less, although base sheets up /to l2 arid greaterA in thickness may also be clad; while the thickness of the cladding metal plate will ordinarily be in the order of 2O gaugeto l. l wish to point out, however, that the invention is not limited to any particular thicknesses of the base metal and the cladding metal. Furthermore, my use of the term sheet" is to be construed as including a plate and-'each of these terms is intended to include curved or formed as well at at sheets or plates.

This invention is also useful for cladding ferrous base plates, including stainless steels. with precious metals such as gold. platinum and silver for use in the jewelry art or for use in industrial chemistry. ln addition, it is also vuseful for cladding non-ferrous base plates such as nickel, chromium and copper with other non-ferrous metals such as silver, gold and the like.

compressing over a mandrel.

ln effecting vacuum brnzing according to my invention, the surfaces to be bonded together should be clean. Commercial plates arc very often clean enough as received .so that no other cleaning is required. However, any and all sheets which are to be used may be cleaned if desired by conventional means, such as pickling, sanding and the like prior to brazing.

According to the principles of this invention I may also produce a clad pipe, that is, a pipe having its interior or exterior consisting of cladding metal. In the past, pipes having clad interiors, commonly known as lined pipes, were produced by telescoping the liner into the pipe or tube and then reducing the pair by swedgng or This process gives a metal to metal contact for the entire length of the pipe but no bond between the pipe and the liner. Piping or tubing so produced cannot be formed or worked because of the danger of separation between the metals. Moreover,

a failure atany point in the cladding metal gives rise to A corrosion over a large area of the-base metal. By using my process, however, I can .produce'a pipe or tubing clad either 'exteriorly or interiorly with a cladding metal which is firmly and continuously bonded to the mating surface of the tubing.

The invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a plan view, partially broken away forclarity of illustration, of one method for cladding a plate;

Fig. 2 is a section along line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a view of the completed plate clad by the method of Figs. l and 2;

Fig. 4 is a view like Fig. 2 of a modified cladding sandwich;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the completed plate clad by the method of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of an arrangement for cladlatedV to Fig. l;

Fig; 9is a sectional view of Va doublecladding sandwich with cover plates, top and bottom;

'Fig l0 is a sectional view of a double cladding sand- .A wich in which the base plates are outside;

Fig. 11 is a cladding sandwich employing a'cover plate and an upper chamber for varying the pressure on the cladding sandwichs Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showingamethcdfor-producing acladpipe;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view along 10--10 of Fig.` l2;

Fig. 4 is a view .showing two clad plates joinedl to- N,'ig'ether at their extremities.' 1 v in carrying out th'epro'cess accordinggto oneernbodiment, a plate 20 which' is to be clad having a clean upper 'fsurface 21 is provided ;with Vanv openingf22 extending through'lthe plate. ."Br'az'ing material 2'3 having .thev propdiscussed is placed upon: the surface The brazing material may be in the form of powder,

film or foil, in ribbons or` rods, or in the form of a foraminous'screen as illustrated. Over the screen is placed the cladding metal plate 24 having a clean undersurface 25 which is to be mated with the surface 21.v The sandwich so formed is sealed along its edges, such as, for example,-

by a continuous weld 26. The space or chambered area between -the plates and occupied by the brazing material is then evacuated by means of a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to a. pipe- 27 secured inthe opening 22. By producing a substantial vacuum, i. e., not less than about 18" of mercury gauge and preferably in thc order of` 28-29 of mercury, the plates 20 and 2i are urged together with a pressure equaling in the neighborhood of 2,000 lbs. per sq. ft.; Heat is then applied to the plates to raise the' temperature of the brazing' maafname 5 terial 23 to its melting point which, if the brazing metal be bronze, will be in the order of l700-l900 F., and if copper, then about l980 F. This is well below the melting point of the metal to be clad, if it be mild steel, and the cladding metal, if the latter be a stainless steel. The vacuum is maintained at least until the lbrazing material has melted and the mating surfaces wet. At that time it may be released if desired. Preferably, however, the vacuum is maintained until the brazing material has cooled below its melting range. It is most desirable, however, to maintain the vacuum untilvthe sandwich is coolel to an ambient temperature. After cooling, the plate has the characteristics exhibited in Fig. 3 in which the cladding metal 24 is securely bonded to the plate 20 by a fused layer 28 of brazing material therebetween. The weld 26 acts in the nature of a spacer to hold the outer edges of the two plates the same distance apart even after completion of the process. Thus, approximately the outer one or two inches of the plate 24 will appear to be bent upwardly as shown in Fig. 3 relative to the balance of the plate. Under high vacuum the cladding metal is forced inwardly against the brazing material and thus forces the latter into contact with the base plate. When the melting point of the brazing material is reached the plates move together to the extent necessary for the brazing material to illvthe entire space then remaining between the plates. This movement, of course, eliminates the void between the plates and, inasmuch as the weld 26 acts as a spacer for the edge portion of the cladding metal, the edges of the cladding plate will not move toward the base metal. Thus, the outer edges of the cladding metal will be spaced a greater distance from the base plate than will the balance of the plate. lf desired, 'these thickened edges may be trimmed olf, it

being understood that the layer of brazing material is I..

continuous between the plates substantially all the way to the extreme edges thereof. The hole 22 may be plugged by welding metal or by any other suitable manner, or eliminated in the trimming operation. It should be noted that no ilux is used between the plates, as by providing a high vacuum therebetween I quite effectively remove oxygen and other evolved gases. Thus, the resulting layer of brazing material or bond is substantially free of slag which would otherwise be present if a uX is used.

Another arrangement for carrying out my process is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in this figure, the plate to be clad 30 has a clean mating surface, prepared such as by picltling or sanding, upon which surface is laid the brazing material 31 in the form of a screen which is then coveredby a cladding metal plate 32. A first hole 33 is provided in the plate 30 to which is attached a line 34 connected to a vacuum pump. A second hole 35 is also provided in the plate 30 to which is connected a pipe 36 in turn connected to a source of non-oxidizing gas, such as argon, helium` nitrogen or the like. If a strong reducing agent is desired, hydrogen may be introduced through the pipe 36. The edges of the plates are sealed together by a flexible metal seal 37 welded at 38 and 39 to the cladding metal plate and the base plate respectively. With the edges of the plates so sealed, the vacuum pump is started to evacuate the space between the plates and occupied by the brazing material 3l. As the vacuum is being produced, non-oxidizing gas is led into the space through the pipe 36 and opening 35 to wash out any oxygen remaining therein and also to wash out any'gases evolving from the metals during the evacuation process and during the subsequent heating step. As heat is applied to the plates to bring the brazing material to its melting point the vacuum pump may continue to operate and the bleeding of gas into the space through the pipe 36 may also continue to ush out any gases evolved from the metals during the heating. The tiexible seal 37 permits relative expansion between the plates during the heating cycle and also permits the edge of the cladding plate to move downwardly toward the base plate.

The resulting clad plate is shown in Fig. 5 wherein the cladding plate 32 is firmly bonded to the base plate 30 by a continuous layer 4t) of brazing material. be noted from an inspection of Fig. 5, however, that the edges of the plates are closer together than the center section of the plate. As a matter of fact, in the area within about one inch of the edge of the plates, there may bemetal to metal contact between the cladding metal and the base plate. That is to say, adjoining hills in the surfaces of both plates are in Contact, while adjoining valleys are filled with the brazing material.

Again, with the method just described, no ux is necessary and thus the layer of brazing material is free from nag andexcept at about the outer one inch of the composite plate, has essentially uniform thickness throughout its entire area.

The method of this invention may also be used for cladding two plates simultaneously, such as by the assembly shown in Fig. 6. As therein illustrated, two plates to be clad 5t? and 5l are placed together with clean outer surfaces 52 and 53, which are to be the mating surfaces. Layers of brazing material 54 and 5S are placed upon the mating surfaces'upon which are placed the cladding pates S6 and 57. A exible seal 58 is welded to the cladding plates entirely about their edges to seal the sandwich so formed. A vacuum is then applied to the space 59 around the edges of the plates whereby a vacuum is also achieved in the area to be clad, and the plates are heated to melt the brazing material. The arrangement shown in Fig. 6 is quite useful where the cladding metals and the metals to be clad are so dissimilar as to be non-receptive to the welding of the seal 5S to them. Thus, if the cladding is aluminum, the seal 58 must also be aluminum, and aluminum is difficult to weld to steel. Under such circumstances, the arrangement of Fig. 6

is quite satisfactory, as the seal 58 is welded at both its edges to the cladding metal. Such an aluminum seal could not easily be welded in the manner illustrated in Fig. 4 which requires welding of the seal to the cladding metal along one edge and to the metal to be clad along its other edge.

In Fig. 7 there is shown another arrangement of a sandwich for cladding by my process. To clad with this assembly base plate 4t2 is covered with brazing material 43 over which is placed cladding plate i4 on top of which is put cover plate 45, preferably of thin steel such as 18 ga. Shims 46 are placed around the sandwich and welded 49 to the cover plate and base plate. Corridor 41 around the cladding plate aids in removal of gases and allows space for differential expansion of the clad layer 44 relative to the base plate 42. If the cladding sheet is thin, shims need not be used for the cover plate may be welded directly to the base plate. Opening 47 is provided in the base plate for drawing a vacuum by line 48 in the area to be clad. Brazing is etiected by heating under vacuum as indicated previously.

Fig. 8 shows a cladding sandwich similar to Fig. 7 except that no corridor is provided around the cladding plate and the cover plate is welded directly to the base plate. In Fig. 8 the base plate 61 is placed in face-toface arrangement with cladding plate 63, between which is placed brazing material 62. Opening 65 is provided through the base plate, brazing material and cladding plate for drawing a vacuum by line 66. Cover plate 64 is placed in face-to-face arrangement with the clad ding plate, each of which plates are the same length and width. Cover plate 64 is sealed to the base plate by weld 67. Opening 65 does not extend through the cover plate. Vacuum brazing with this apparatus is effected by the process of my invention hereinabove described.

Fig. 9 shows a double cladding sandwich similar in arrangement to Fig. 6 except that the sandwich has cover lt will plates top and bottom. Such cover plates protect the exterior surfaces of the cladding plates during brazing and also provide a way of sealing the sandwich without fastening the seal to the cladding plate or base piatc. When precious metals are involved, such an arrangement is useful to minimize trimming of the nished clad product. ln Fig. 9, two base plates are placed face-to-face and against each exterior face there is placed brazing material 91cladding plate` 92 and cover plate 93. Spacers 94 are arranged between the cover plates and at the edges thereof and arc welded 97 together. The cover plates are larger than the base and cladding plates, thereby providing corridor 99 around the periphery of said base,

and cladding plates to aid removal of gases by opening through vacuum line 96. Preferably an inert material 98 such as aluminum oxide is placed between the two base plates 90 and between the cladding plate and cover plate to prevent sticking and aid separation after brazing.

The arrangement of Fig. l0 is a particularly useful one for vacuum cladding according to my pro/:css since it protects the cladding plate surfaces, allows ready removal of gases through the corridoi' E07, and utilizes materials with a minimum of waste. in this arrangement. two cladding plates 100 are placed back to back. Against the outer surfaces of each cladding plate is placed brazing material 101, and in face-to-face arrangement with the brazing material are placed base plates 102 of Slightly larger size. Bars 103 are welded 104 to the base plates to seal the sandwich interior from the atmosphere. By means of outlet 105 and vacuum line 106` the sandwich is evacuated and brazed by my process.

The cladding assembly of Fig. ll illustrates one way in which external pressure on the area being clad may be varied. Base plate is covered with brazing matcrial 111, over which is placed cladding plate 112. A thin exible cover plate 113 extends over the cladding plate and to the edge of thebase plate. Bars 117 are provided between the base and cover plates and the cover plate and lid 114. The assembly it; hermetically sealed by welding 118. Outlet 121 is provided in the base plate for producing a vacuum by line 122. Corridor 116 aids removal of gases. 'lhe lid has opening 119 for changing the pressure in chamber by line |20. The pressure in chamber 115 may be either increased or decreased as desired, `ill/hen the pressure in chamber '1 15 is to be increased considerably` the lid and entire assembly should be reinforced suthciently to withstand the strain.

My process may be used for cladding tubing or piping.l it being necessary only to provide clean mating surfaceswith the brazing material therebetween. to force the surfaces into contact with thc brnzing material and thcn to apply heat to melt the material and bond the metalsv together. A simple way of performing: the process is illustrated in Figs. l2 and I3, in which l show a pipe or tubing 80 into which has been inserted a liner of cladding metal 484. the exterior surface of which has been covered with a brazing material 83. The brazing material may be applied to thc exterior surface of the cladding metal by electroplating, or otherwise, as desired, The ends of the composite tubing are sealed by metal plugs and rings 81, 81a. 82 and 82H. Plug 82a is provided with an opening 85 therein. These plugs and rings are hermetically sealed by welds 89. Atmospheric pressure or irtcreased pressures may be applied to the interior of the composite tubing to aid contact between the tube and liner and such increased Vpressures may be effected by pipe 86 connected to the opening 85 by use of air or or fusible salt or other material which will maintain lluid pressure at the high temperatures involved in the subsequent heat ing process. Outlet 87 extends through the tube and brazing material. and by means of a line'88 a vacuum is drawn in the area to be clad. The assembly is heated to the fusion temperature of the brazing material to melt the material which will. upon cooling, form an effective bond :Ill

between the liner of cladding metal and the pipe. viously, other methods of forcing the mating surfaces of the pipe and liner into contact with the brazing material may be employed. reduced, or by choosing a liner having a relatively high co-ei-:ient of expansion, adequate contact may be assured through the expansion of the liner relative to the pipe during the heating process.

Clad plates produced by my process may be welded together as shown in Fig. 14. The backing plates 70 and 71 are placed into final position with their edges adjoining. A groove 72 is formed by chipping, planning, or oxygen cutting in the adjoining edges ofthe plates. According to well known welding practices, the groove may be U-bottorned, doubled beveled, or may be V- shaped as shown and have proportions depending upon the pli-xtc thickness according to accepted practices. This groove preferably extends through the backing plate to just short of brazing material. The groove should then be filled with a weld 73 of the same general composition as the metal in the base plates. After completion 0f this weld, a V-shapcd groove 74 chipped into the adjoining cdges of the cladding plates 7S and 76 and extending down through the layer 77 of the brazing material to the base plate is then filled with a weld material 78 using electrodes of the size and type appropriate for the clad side.

Specific examples of my process are as follows:

Example I A sandwich was assembled as illustrated in Figs.,1. and 2. It comprised an A-ZSS C steel base plate (7/16" thick) and a Type 405 Stainless steel plate (ft/(54 thick) with a brazing material between the two plates of common bronzezyvindow screen. The mating surfaces of the plates were cleaned by Sandblasting and the surfaces of the bronze screen washed with a 15% hydrochloric acid solution and air-dried prior to assembling the sandwich. The screen wire consisted substantially of 87.6% copper, 9.3% zinc, .lf/'Er tin, and 3% iron and aluminum, with traces of sulfur and phosphorous. The screen was woven of .0ll diameter wire. After sealing the sandwich For example, the pair may bc cold along its edges, it was heated to a temperature of l800-190') F. in a furnace while maintaining a vacuum of 29" of mercury in the space between the plates. This temperaturewas held for l5 minutes and then the plates@I were furnace-cooled. No iluxwas used. 'Examination and tests of the resulting composite plates showed a cofitinuous layer of brazing material between the plates which was completely free of slag. The bond was excellent.

Example 2 A sandwich, such as shown in Figs. l and 2 was made up consisting substantialiy of an A-285 C steel base plate tti (5a" thick), and a Type 430 Stainless steel plate thick), wih a bronze window screen as a brazing material between the two plates. The assembly, after being sealed about its edges. was subjected to a vacuum of about 29" of mercury and then heated to 2000 F. in the furnace. The temperature was held for l5 minutes, after which is was lowered to 1600 F, for one hour. The vacuum was released and the plates cooled at 50 F. per hour down to l100 F. The composite plate was then removed from the furnace and air-cooled. The resulting composite plate was so perfectly annealed as to permit strips cut from the plate to be bent at upon themselves with the cladding both on the inside and the outside of the bend without failure of the bond between the plates and without cracking ofthe cladding metal.

Example i' A sandwich was assembled consisting essentially of an A--285 C steel base plate (5/8 thick) and a Type 405 Stainless steel cladding plate (%4 thick) with a bronze wire screen between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates were sandblasted and then washed with a %v solution of hydrochloric acid. The screen was similarly washed. The plates were air-driedand assembled in the manner illustrated in Fig. 4. The edges of the package were sealed and the package was placed in a furnace. A

29 vacuum was pulled on the space between'the platesl and vthen argon was bled into the space to `release they vacuum. The tlow of argon was then cut off and the vacuum pump again started to reestablish a 29" vacuum v in the space between the plates. The assembly was heated to l800-1900 F., held at this temperature for l5 minutes, after which the gas burners were cut off, the furnace door opened and the assembly cooled to 1100o F.v The vac-v A sandwich was assembled, Aas shown in Figs. l and 2, consisting essentially of an A-285 C steel base plate (T/i't thick) and a Type 405 Stainless steel plate (7,454" thick) with a .0025 thick .copper foil between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates were cleaned by grinding and the copper foil was cleaned to remove all traces of dirt and grease prior to assembling the plates. The sandwich was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace to 2050 F., held at this temperature for about 40 minutes while maintaining a vacuum between the plates of the order of 28-29 of mercury, and then slowly furnace-ceoled to about 300 F.; whereupon it was heated to about 1620 F., held at this temperature for approximately 40 minutes, air-cooled, then heated to about 1250 F., held at this temperature for about 45 minutes, and then air-cooled to room temperature. No ux r reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plate showed a continuous, excellent bond. vSpeci-V mens were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and degree of free bend. All of these tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

Example 5 .fr sandwich was assembled as shown in Figs. l and 2, consisting essentially of an A-285 C steel ybase plate,`

(17" x 3A; x 23) and a Type 410 Stainless steel plate (lll/2 x 14 gauge x 18H/2) with a copper foil (.0025 thick) between the two plates. The mating surfaces of the plates were Vcleaned by grinding andthe copper was cleaned to remove all traces of dirt and grease prior to assembling the sandwich. The sandwich was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace to 205051:., held at this temperature for about 40 minutes, slowly furnacecooled to 500 F. and then air-cooled to room temperature. A vacuum of the order ofZSI/z of mercury was maintained in the space between the plates during heating and until the sandwich was cooled to below 500 F. No ux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plates showed a continuous, excellent bond. Specimens were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and degree of free bend. All of these tests gave results which were above ASTM requirements.

Example 6 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, consisting of an A-285 C steel base plate (5'5" x 3/5 X 125") and a Type 316 ELC steel plate (of substantially the same -linear dimensions as the base plate, but having a thickness of l2 gauge) with a .0025" thick copper foil between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates and the copper were cleaned prior to assemlowing which it was air-cooled to room temperature. During this heat treatment, a vacuum of the order of 28.9 was maintained in the space between the plates. No tlux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plate showed a continuous, excellent bond. Specimens were tested for shear strength, tensile V strength and elongation. All` of the tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

Example 7 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, consisting essentially of an A-285 vC steel base plate (17 x 15," x 23) and a Monel plate (12" x 12 gauge x 18) with a .01" thickcopper foil between the plates.

and 0f the copper were cleaned prior to assembly in Y ous, excellent bond.

order to removeany grease and dirt. The sandwich was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace to 2100c F., held at this temperature for about minutes and then slowly furnace-cooled to below 500 F. The sandwich assembly was then heated to 1620 F., held at this temperature for about minutes, following which it was air-cooledto room temperature. A vacuum of about 28.7" of mercury was maintained in the space between the plates during all of the heating and cooling cycles. No flux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plate showed a continu- Specimens were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and elongation. All of these tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

Example 8 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown j" in Figs. 1 and 2, consisting essentially of an A-285 C steel base plate (17l x fffq x 23) and a nickel platev Y perature for about 45 minutes, and then air-cooled to room temperature. A vacuum of 281.7 of mercury was maintained in the spaces between the plates during the heating and cooling cycles. No flux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plates showed a continuous, excellent bond. Specimens were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and elongation. All of these tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

Example-9 Y A sandwich was assembledsubstantially as shown in Figs. l and 2, consistingfessentially of an A-283 mild steel base plate (17 gt3/t," x 23) and a Monel plate (12" x l2 gauge x 18) with a .003 thick silver alloy foil (consists of silver, ISI/2% copper, 151/2% zinc. 16% cadmium, and 3% nickel) between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates and the silver alloy foil were cleaned to remove grease and dirt prior to assembling the sandwich. The sandwich assembly was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace to 2050" F., held at this temperature for 11/2 hours and then slowly furnacecooled to below 500 F. A vacuum of 29.6 of mercury was maintained in the space between the plates during the heat treatment and until the sandwich was cooled below 500 F. No ux or reducing gas was used. Ex-

`. amination of the resulting composite plate showed a con- Thel mating surfaces of the plates I shear strength, tensile strength, and elongation.

flux or reducing gas was used.

1 1 Example I A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. 1l and 2, cohsisting essentially of an A-285 C steel base plate (21 xv l x 25") and an Inconel plate these tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

Example 1I A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. l and 2, consisting essentially of an A285 C steel base plate (17" x 31:," x 23) and a Hastelloy C 1 plate (131/2" x .150 x l9.5) with a .0025 thick copper foil between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates and of copper were cleaned to remove any dirt and grease prior to assembling the sandwich. The sandwich was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace to 2100 F., held at this temperature for about 30minutes and then rapidly air-cooled while maintaining avacuum of about 28.5 of mercury during the heating cycle. No flux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plates showed a continuous, excellent bond. Specimens were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and elongation. These tests gave results which were all above the ASTM requirernents.

Example 12 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, consisting essentially of an A285 C steel base plate Git," thick) and Hastelloy B2 plate (.150" thick) with a .01" thick copper foil between the plates. The mating surfaces of the plates and the copper were cleaned to remove the dirt and'grease prior to assembling the san'dwich. The sandwich was then sealed along its edges, following which it was heated to 2050 F., held at this temperature for 20 minutes while maintaining a vacuum of about 281/2" of mercury in the space between the plates and then water-quenched in 56 F. circulating water to room t perature. No ux or reducing gas was used. Examination of the resulting composite plates showed a continuous, excellent bond. Speciments were tested for shear strength, tensile strength, and elongation. All of these tests gave results which were above the ASTM requirements.

E rmnple 13 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shown in Figs. I and 2. c'vr-sistingcssentially of a 316 Stainless steel base plate (61/2" x'1/2" x 615') and a ne silver plate (5 x 1,1% X 5") with a .003" thick foil of fEasy-Flow C No. 3" silver brazing alloy between the plates. Easy- Flow No. 3 consists of 50% silver, 151/2 copper, 151/2% zinc, 16% cadmium, and 3% nickel. The mating surfaces of the plates and the silver alloy foil were cleaned prior to lassembling the plates. The sandwich was sealed along its edges and then heated in a furnace tov l600 F., held at this temperature for about 30 minutes, and then air-cooled while maintaining a vacuum of about 281/2" of mercury in the space between the-plates. No

Examination ofthe resultcarbon. t

. ellastellny ltcmisistsV of '2G-30% molybdenum, 4-770' iron, .12% max. of carbon, und the balance nickel.

" tween the plates.

A11 of l nl) and 3% nickel.

4U Physical tests were made on test specimens.

50 sq..in. of 0.003 thick silver brazing alloy.

inner sandwich was separated with a ne coating of alumiing composite plates showed a continuous, excellent bond. Physical tests were made on test specimens, tests showed that-the bond arca was higher in shear .f strength than the silver itself by shearing above the bond in the silver.

[[.rfmzple I4 A sandwich was assembled substantially as shownl in Figs. l and 2, consisting essentially of a 316 Stainless steel` plate (6i/2 x 1/2," x 61/z) and a plate of tine silver (5" x 15in" x 5) with a .005 thick vBT silver brazing alloy be- The ET silver brazing alloy consists of 72% silver and 28% copper. The mating surfaces of the plates and of the silver alloy were cleaned to removeany dirt and grease from the surface prior to assembling lthe sandwich. The edges of the sandwich were then scaled. The sandwich was then heated to 1600 F., held at this temperature for minutes and then air-cooled. A vac,- uum of the order of 281/2," of mercury was maintained during the heating and cooling cycle. No flux or reducing gas was used. posite plates gave Ya continuous, excellent bond.

'-'5 Figs. l and 2, consisting essentially of a 316 Stainless steel plate (13 x l x 13) and a plate of copper (12 x 1A x 12") with a .003 thick Easy-Flow No. 3 silver brazing alloy'between the plates. This silver alloy consists of silver, l51/2% copper, 151/2% zinc, 16% cadmium, The-mating surfaces of the plates and of the silver alloy were cleaned to remove any dirt and grease from the surface prior to assembling the sandwich. The edges of the sandwich were then sealed. The sandv wichwas then heated to l600 F., held at this tempera- "J ture for approximately/30 minutes and then air-cooled.

A vacuum of the order of 281/2 of mercury was maintained during the heating Aand cooling cycle. No ux or reducing gas was used. Examination of. the resulting composite plate showed a continuous. excellent bond. Shearing tests showed that the bond area was higher in shear strength than the copper itself by shearing above the bond -ln the copper.

Example I6 A double cladding sandwich was prepared as in Fig. l0,

l2 one 171/2" by fl/1p," x 129s" carbon steel plate, one 161/2" x /w x 111/5;H carbon steel plate, and about 125 The titanium num oxide. The sandwich was evacuated to above 29 inches of'mercury and charged into a furnace pre-heated to 2100 F. The furnace reached the bonding tempera- 5 ture of 1900 F. in 15 minutes. The sandwich was held at this temperature for l0 minute.r then the furnace was cooled to l775 F. with the furnace door open. vThe sandwich was then slowly cooled in the furnace with the door closed to room temperature. The sandwich was f) cut open and the titanium was found to be soundly bonded to the steel plates.

- Example I7 `A single sandwich was prepared as in Fig. 7 of a 51/2" x,1/z" x .5l/j Stainless steel base plate, one gold sheet 3" (75. x 16 gauge x 3", sutlicicnt .0025" BT silver foil brazing.

.of mercury and placed into a furnace preheated tov 1700 0 F. The sandwich `was heated for 24 minutes, during which the furnace temperature reached a maximum of 17.70 F., the sandwichamaximu'm temperature of 1700 'l Ff., andthe vacuum "n'o lower kthan 3l"microns. After l cooling, the sandwich-was opened and the bond found to T be secureand strongs.;

Shearing Examination of the resulting com- LIL:

While l. have shown and. described certain embodiments E invention, it is to be understood that is is capable Changes, therefore, in the con-` "action and arrangement may be made without departi from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed modillcations.

the appended claims. Ji/'bat is claimed is:

' afilados l. A. method ot' bracing a metal plate to another metal :i l

plate, comp" tinuous face-to-face 'arrangement with a thinlayer of ising: placing the plates in substantially con- ;l

1Grazing material between them, the 'metalplate surfaces to be brazed being clean; hermetically sealing the edgesI of the plates to produce a chambered area therebetween( but providing an opening to the chambered area for apply'- ing a vacuum condition therein; applying a vacuumof not less than about 18 inches of mercury gauge in the cham-:

bere-d area; heating the assembled plates to a brazing cru multiple sandwich, hermetically sealing the top cover plate to the bottorncover plate about the edges of said cover plates, providing at least one outlet leading from the inside of the multiple sandwich to a vacuum pump,

'producing a vacuum of at leastl inches of mercury gauge in the area between the outer plates while main-V 'y taining substantially atmospheric pressure on the external surfaces of the plates being brazed, heating the assembled plates to a bracing temperature suthcient to melt the brazing material and have it wet the mating surfaces of the plates being clad while maintaining said vacuum,

said plates being of such size and thickness that a major proportion of their contiguous surfaces l#move together at said brazing temperature and under'said vacuum, and cooling the assembled plates to belowthe melting range of the brazing material.

temperature surlicicnt to melt the brazing material while"r lntaining said vacuum, said metal plates rbeing of such ture and under said vacuum condition in the chambered area; and cooling the assembled platesxto below the melti ing range of the brazing material while maintaining said.

vacuum in the chambered area.

' in the cladding of a clean ferrous metal base plate rtinum and silver, the steps of covering one of lacin sandwich, except .for at least one connection to a` to form a chambered area between the the sandwich in a turnace to a brazing temperaturek sudicient to melt the brazing material, whereby gases.

are evolved within the sandwich; continuing evacuation of he chambered area during the heating to remove such as form and substantially completely to remove idas from the area to be brazed, said plates being of tiguous surfaces move together at said brazing temand under said vacuum condition in the charn- -.cd area; and then cooling the sandwich below the meltc range of the brazing material.

A method oi cladding a cladding plate to a base te which comprises placing such plaies in substantially nous tatuato-face arrangement with a' supply of bracing material between said plates in the area to be clad, placing a cover plate over the cladding plate in faceto-face arrangement therewith, hermetically sealing the cover plate to the base plate about the edges of the sat ich so formed, providing at least one outlet leading from the inside of the sandwich to a vacuum pump, producing a vacuum of at least i8 inches of mercury gauge in the area to be clad while maintaining substantially atmospheric pressure on the external surfaces of the beating the sandwich of plates to melt the braztn., brazingrmaterial is melted and wets the area to be ciad and cooling'the` sandwich to below the melting range of the brazing material. 4. A method of simultaneously cladding a plurality of .ase plates with cladding plate comprising: placing a ase plate and cladding plate in substantially continuous ace-to-ace arrangement with a thin layer of brazing naterial between them to produce a single cladding sandwich, arranging at least two such single sandwiches of substantially the same shape and surface area in substantially continuous face-to-tace arrangement to produce a multiple sandwich, placing cover plates in face-to-face arrangement with 'the top and bottom plates of the e and thickness that a major proportion of their con-` uous surfaces move together at said brazing tempera.-V

Vhe group consisting of chromium steel, chromiumteel, nickel, Mortel, lnconel, l-lastelloy, copper,

size and thickness that a major proportion of theirk a g material while maintaining the vacuum vat least until 5. A method of simultaneously cladding a plurality of base plates with cladding plate comprising.:`y placing a base plate and cladding plate in substantially continuous face-,to-face arrangement with a thin llayer of brazing material between them to produce asingle cladding sand wich, arranging at least two such single sandwiches of sub-- stantially the same shape and surface area in substantially continuous face-to-face arrangement to produce a multiple sandwich, hermetically' sealing' the outermost top plate to the outermost bottom plate of the '.assembly,

the other plate on the brazing material to forml sandwich assembly; hermetically sealing the edges ofi.

v35. reducing a vacuum of not less 'than ll'f` of meri' said sealing being about the edges of the' outermost plates, providing at least one outlet leading from the inside of the multiple sandwich to a vacuum pump, producing a vacuum or" at least 18 inchesotmercury gauge in the area between the outer vplates while maintaining substantially atmosphericv pressure on the external surfaces of the plates being brazed, heating the assembled plates to a brazing temperature sufficient to melt the brazing material and have it'wet the mating'surfaccs of. the plates Ibeing clad whilernaintaining said vacuum;"said-plates'r being of such size andthickness that a major proportionV of their contiguous surfaces rn'ove together at said brazing temperature andunder said vacuum, and cooling the assembled plates tolbelow the melting range of the braz'ing material.

6. A thod of forming clad plates comprising torming a sandwich including a base plate and a cladding plate with a thin layer of bi'azing material between them, the metal plate surfaces to be brazed being clean, hermetically sealing the edges of said sandwich to pro,.- duce a chambered area between the plates but providing au opening to the chambered area for applying a vacuum condition therein; applying a vacuum of not less than about lS inches of mercury gauge in the chambered area; heating the assembled plates to a brazing temperature sutlcient to melt the brazing material while maintaining said vacuum, said metal plates being of such size and thickness that a major proportion Voi their contiguous surfaces move together at said brazing tern perature and under said vacuum condition in the charnbered area; and cooling the assembled plates to below the melting range of the brazing material while maintaining said vacuum in the chambered area.

7. The method of claim 6 in which said vacuum is at least 28 inches of mercury gauge. v

8. A composite clad product produced by the method of claim 6 comprising a base plate and a cladding plate integrally and continuously bonded together in tace-to- Vface arrangement by a bracing material between said' plates, said bond being lux-free and vacuum purgedv substantially free of all gases, including adsorbed and occluded gases released during brazing, said plates being of uniform thickness throughout the clad product and having the same thickness and shape as'when the plates v were placed in face-to-ace arrangement orvacuum 15 plate integrally and continuously bonded together in faceto-face arrangement by a brazing material between said plates, said bond being flux-free and vacuum purged substantially free of allV gases, including adsorbed and occluded gases released during brazing, said plates being,

of uniform thickness throughout the clad product and having the same thickness and shape as when the plates were placed in face-to-faee arrangement for vacuum brazing.

References Cited in the 111e of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,152,610 DeBats Sept. 7, 1915 16 Acre May 1, 1934 Mann Sept. 21, 1937 Huston et al. Feb. 14, 1939 Orr May 30, 1939 Cope Dec. 31, 1940 Deutsch Jan. 13, 1942 Wrighton et al. May 26, 1942 Mehl Feb. 25, 1947 Kinney June 2l, 1949 Toulmin Aug. 3, 1954 

